Photos: Atmore Mardi Gras Parade
February 10, 2013
The Ladies of Essence held their annual Mardi Gras Parade Saturday afternoon in Atmore with plenty of MoonPies and beads.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The annual Mardi Gras Parade Saturday in Atmore. Submitted photos by Ditto Gorme for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Search And Rescue Holds Meet And Greet
February 10, 2013
The volunteers of Escambia Search and Rescue held a meet and greet event Saturday at Tractor Supply Company on Nine Mile Road. ESAR is celebrating its 50th year of service, and the K-9 unit is in it s 19th year.
ESAR trains for and responds to many different types of incidents including lost children, missing hunters, drowning victims, overdue boats, natural disasters, and missing persons with Alzheimer’s, autism or other forms of dementia.
Search volunteers from Northwest Florida and South Alabama are trained in communication, rescue and recovery diving and K-9 searches.
Pictures: ESAR and some of the K-9’s held a meet and greet Saturday at Tractor Supply Company on Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Equine Rescue Group Receives Global Verification Status
February 10, 2013
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) has awarded Verified status to Panhandle Equine Rescue in Cantonment. GFAS) is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries.
Verification means that Panhandle Equine Rescue meets the criteria of a true equine sanctuary orrescue and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals. To be awarded Verified status, an organization must meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed animal care standards which are confirmed by a site visit and they must also adhere to a demanding set of ethical and operational principles.
“Panhandle Equine Rescue came into existence because so few resources existed in north Florida for equines involved in cruelty and neglect investigations,” said Jeannine Alexander, a GFAS deputy director. “This organization works closely with law enforcement ensuring these equines get the protection and care they need until a final home can be found.”
“It is such an honor to be Verified by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, an organization that is recognized worldwide in promoting excellence in sanctuary management and in humane care of animals,” said Diane Lowery, president of Panhandle Equine Rescue. “ To be Verified, opens up many doors for our organization, not only in receiving grants, but also to assure potential donors that we are legitimate and put the welfare of our horses first.”
Pictured top: “Raven” been care for by Panhandle Equine Rescue. Pictured bottom inset: PER President Diane Lowery. File photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Coed Softball Tourney Next Weekend, Entry Fee Reduced
February 10, 2013
The Northview High School Diamond Club will hold a softball tournament next weekend, and the entry fee has been reduced.
The coed tournament will be held Saturday, February 16 at the Northwest Escambia ballpark. The entry fee has been reduced to $200 per team. Three females must play at all times.
To register, call Amy Holland at (850) 516-8400. Proceeds benefit the Northview High School baseball team.
House Elections Bill Released
February 10, 2013
A measure allowing elections supervisors to hold more days of early voting, providing more sites for casting pre-Election Day votes and curbing the length of ballot summaries for constitutional amendments proposed by the Legislature is set to be heard Wednesday by the House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee.
The proposal (PCB EES 13-01), released ahead of next week’s meeting, would provide up to 14 days of early voting in each county, though only eight would be required; elections supervisors could allow early voting up to five days before it currently begins and on the Sunday before an election, when many churches hold “souls to the polls” voting drives.
It would also loosen rules on where early voting could take place. And it would limit the first proposed ballot summary of any amendment proposed by the Legislature to 75 words, the same cap faced by citizen initiatives. Lawmakers would be allowed to break that cap on additional summaries if they attach those to the bill as fallback options in case a court strikes down the first proposed summary.
The attorney general would also not be limited if he or she has to redraft the ballot summary after a successful court challenge to the language voters read when they decide whether to approve the amendment.
By The News Service of Florida
Alabama Details Extended February Deer Season Map
February 10, 2013
A new region is proposed in southwest Alabama where deer season would be extended into February.
A map was released Saturday in Montgomery by Conservation Commissioner N. Gunter Guy Jr. detailing the area in which deer season would be extended from January 31 to February 10. The season would include a 10 day gun season closure in December, but would allow hunting during a late-season rut when deer are more active.
The proposed region includes 11 counties, including Escambia, Baldwin, Mobile and Monroe.
The extended season would apply only to hunters using guns; the bow hunting season would remain October 15 until February 10.
The plan must now be approved by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. February 2013 is not included in the plan; deer season ended January 31, 2013, in Southwest Alabama.
Portion Of Atmore Without Power Following Wreck
February 9, 2013
A large portion of Atmore was without power Saturday night after a car hit and broke a utility pole on Carver Avenue just before 8:00. The outage included an area of North Main Street and several businesses, including Church’s Chicken and a couple of gas stations.
The Atmore police and fire departments responded to the accident scene. The driver of the car reportedly fled on foot, and authorities were searching the area. Authorities believed the driver may have been injured.
Alabama Power arrived on scene about 8:10 p.m. Saturday and had power restored by the 1:00 hour Sunday morning.
Man Facing DUI, Drug Charges After Traffic Crash
February 9, 2013
An Escambia County man is behind bars on DUI and other charges following a traffic crash Friday night.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 30-year old Derwin Robinson, Jr. was northbound on Fairfield Drive near Martin Drive when he crossed over into the southbound lanes and struck a 199 Ford Mustang head-on.
The occupants of the Mustang, 55-year old Jayne Frances Brown and 61-year old Dianna Claire Nielsen, were taken to Baptist Hospital in serious condition. Robinson was not injured.
Robinson was charged with DUI with serious bodily injury, driving on the wrong side of marked highway, possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $6,500.
Pedestrian Struck, Killed Friday Night
February 9, 2013
A pedestrian was killed Friday night in Escambia County.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 66-year old William Williams of Pensacola was southbound on New Warrington Road when he traveled through the West Jackson Street intersection on a green traffic signal. His 2010 Toyota Prius struck 51-year old John Charles Reed as he was walking across the southbound lanes of New Warrington Road.
Reed was pronounced deceased at the scene. No charges were filed against Williams.
Tate High Mourns Loss Of Longtime Teacher Michael Varner
February 9, 2013
The Tate High School family is mourning the loss of a longtime teacher. Michael D. Varner, 59, passed away after a battle with brain cancer.
“Mr. Varner” was an exceptional teacher and received many accolades including Who’s Who Among Teachers, Florida Biology Teacher of the Year and Escambia County Teacher of the Year. A humble man, he would say he only wanted to help his students become the best they could be. He taught anatomy and physiology for 11 years, botany for 10 years, and biology for 35 years at Tate High, and was an adjunct professor at Pensacola State College for 10 years.
“Mr. Varner is a top-notch teacher and a dedicated public servant. He goes above and beyond the call of duty to serve his students, utilizing real-world techniques to teach them concepts beyond the classroom,” Congressman Jeff Miller said as he recognized Varner on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives as Escambia County Teacher of the Year. “He is a dedicated teacher, an inspiration to his students, and an honorable public servant.”
Additionally during his career, he coached soccer, sponsored Student Government, both the sophomore and senior classes, and Exchange Club. He also taught classes at the Florida Institute of Ultrasound. His teaching extended to church activities as well — teaching Sunday School and assisting with Youth Ministry for nearly 20 years. He was also involved with the Pensacola Civic Band and the Boy Scouts of America.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Kathleen (Wogan) Varner; his sons, Jason (Kelly) of Orlando and Brian (Jessica); and numerous other relatives and thousands of colleagues, friends and former students who loved him.
Visitation will be held at Faith Chapel North Funeral Home on Monday, February 11 from 5-7 p.m. The memorial service, officiated by the Rev. Michael Schulenburg, will be on Saturday, February 16, 1 p.m. at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 7979 North 9th Ave. in Pensacola. A private internment will take place at a later date.
For the complete obituary, click here.